Name: Buddha's Delight
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 8 servings (as part of a Chinese meal)
Ingredients: 12 large dried black mushrooms (3 oz); 5 cups boiling-hot water plus additional for soaking bean curd skins; 2 dried bean curd skins (2 oz total); 1/2 lb fresh or thawed frozen large bamboo shoots; 2 to 3 oz very thin bean thread noodles (2 small skeins; also known as cellophane, glass, or mung bean noodles); 1 (1/2-lb) firm fresh tofu cake, or 1/2 cake from a 14- to 16-oz package, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil; 1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and very thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/2 cup peeled shelled fresh or frozen ginkgo nuts; 1/3 cup vegetarian oyster sauce; 1/4 cup light soy sauce (preferably Pearl River Bridge brand); 1/4 cup Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry; 3/4 teaspoon sugar; 2 cups fresh soybean sprouts (1/4 lb); 2 romaine hearts, trimmed and quartered lengthwise, then cut into 2-inch pieces (6 cups)

Image may contain Bowl Food Dish Meal Pasta and Noodle

Buddha's DelightMikkel Vang

Extremely subtle and very delicate, this special dish, called Buddha's Delight because it's completely vegetarian, is all about texture. The biggest challenge in making it is finding the right ingredients, but the reward is worth the effort. Prepared with fresh vegetables, this recipe is sublime. If you can't find them fresh, don't be tempted to use canned (frozen bamboo shoots and ginkgo nuts are acceptable, however). Traditional Buddha's Delight doesn't call for garlic, but we find it makes all the difference. The recipe also serves 4 as a fabulous vegetarian main course.

Cooks' notes:

· Mushrooms, bean curd skins, and noodles can be soaked (but not drained) 1 day ahead and chilled in their soaking liquid separately, covered. Drain (reserve mushroom-soaking liquid) before using. · Bamboo shoots can be cooked 1 day ahead and cooled completely, then cut and chilled in cold water, covered. Drain before using. · Buddha's Delight, without romaine, can be made 2 hours ahead and kept at room temperature, uncovered. Bring to a boil and proceed with recipe.

Recipe notes

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts

There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.